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Connections
Volume 3, Issue 8 | May 2024
A Message from the Superintendent
A Focus on Mental Health
Dear ACPS families and community,
As we head into May, which is Mental Health Awareness Month, the safety and mental well-being of our students are taking center stage here at ACPS.
You may have heard that, at its March 28 meeting, the Albemarle County School Board directed our School Division Counsel to engage in outside litigation counsel and join a class-action lawsuit filed against several social media giants like Facebook and Instagram, among others. This suit aims to hold these platforms accountable for the damage they can cause to the mental health of users, many of whom are children and teens.
As White Hall Representative Dr. Rebecca Berlin said it best at the meeting: "We are incurring substantial damages to our most important asset — our students. We will do whatever it takes to support the mental health of our students and their families."
If your student is experiencing poor mental health, please reach out to your student’s school counselor for help and resources. Together, we will protect and support our students.
Sincerely,
Dr. Matthew S. Haas
Superintendent
In Case You Missed It
A lot has happened this month! Here's what we think is important to know:
ACPS In the News
Read a roundup on all of the cool and fun things that happened in our division in April!
Panorama Family Survey
Please take our Panorama Family Survey by May 21.
Kindergarten Registration
ACPS will host kindergarten registration through May 31!
This Month's Video Highlight
Monthly Calendar
Golden Apple Awards
Wednesday, May 8, 2024, 05:00 PM
401 McIntire Road, Charlottesville, VA, USA
Important Dates
Monday, May 27
Memorial Day. No school for students, all ACPS schools and offices closed.
Monthly Observances
Monday, May 1, is National School Principals Day
Monday, May 6, through Friday, May 10, is National Teacher Appreciation Week
Wednesday, May 8, is National School Nurse Day
Friday, May 10, is School Communicators Day
May is Asian Pacific American Heritage Month
Meetings this Month
Thursday, May 9
School Board Meeting, 6:30 p.m. in Lane Auditorium
Thursday, May 23
School Board Meeting, 6:30 p.m. in Lane Auditorium
Foundation Focus
Do you want to learn more about how AFE is generating a community commitment to helping each student in ACPS thrive? Sign up for our quarterly newsletter and follow us on social media. You can find AFE on Facebook and Instagram. Join us to see stories of student learning, meet impactful school champions, and learn more about needs across the division.
Did You Know?
In Virginia, students must have certain vaccinations (Spanish version) before starting seventh grade and a second dose of MenACWY (meningococcal ACWY) (Spanish version) after their 16th birthday and before starting 12th grade. Students will not be allowed to start these grades until they receive the required vaccines. As proof of vaccination, parents/guardians need to submit a copy of their child’s updated immunization record to their child’s school.
Opportunities for You!
Albemarle County Public Schools is accepting preschool applications for the 2024-25 school year. To learn if your child is eligible for these programs and how to apply, visit our Preschool Application Information webapge.
Albemarle County Public Schools
Email: superintendentoffice@k12albemarle.org
Website: k12albemarle.org
Location: 401 McIntire Road, Charlottesville, VA, USA
Phone: (434) 296-5820
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/K12Albemarle
Twitter: @k12albemarle